HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2007-05-22 Item 3C - Discussion - King County Solid Waste Rate Increase Proposal
Attachment III.C.
INFORMATION :MEMO
To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
Mayor Mullet
Public W orks Directo~
May 16,2007
Proposed Solid Waste Rate Increase
ISSUE
King County Solid Waste Division has proposed to increase the disposal fees charged at the
transfer stations effective January 1, 2008.
BACKGROUND
The Cedar Hills Regional Landfill is expected to close in 2012. When Cedar Hills reaches
capacity and closes, King County plans to export waste generated by 37 cities to one or more
contracted landfills outside of the County.
Through a collaborative process, the King County Solid Waste Division together with stakeholders
(Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee [MSWMAC], Interjurisdictional
Staff Group [ISTG], Solid Waste Advisory Committee [SW AC], labor union representatives and
commercial solid waste haulers) provided recommendations to the Solid Waste Transfer and Waste
Export System Plan.
The Solid Waste Transfer and Waste Export System Plan identified the need to renovate the
transfer system. Renovations are critical in order to increase efficiency, improve safety and
prepare the system for alternative waste disposal upon closure of Cedar Hills.
DISCUSSION
Six of King County's eight transfer facilities have been operating since the 1960's and have only
been updated to meet regulatory requirements. They are no longer able to efficiently meet the
needs of the commercial haulers and business/residential self-haulers who use the facilities.
To accomplish the much-needed capital improvements, King County Solid Waste Division has
proposed to increase disposal fees from $82.50/ton to $95/ton. If approved by the King County
Council, the rate increase will be effective on January 1, 2008. The Suburban Cities Association
(SCA), SW AC, and MSWMAC have formally submitted letters to the King County Council
expressing their support of the proposed rate increase.
RECOMMENDATION
No action is required. Present to the Utilities Committee for information.
FI:ad
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